CUOMO ANNOUNCES $17.2 MILLION IN HUD HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUNDS FOR PORTLAND, OREGON

WASHINGTON - Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo today announced $17.2 million in HUD grants for housing and community development programs in Portland, Oregon, in a telephone news conference with Mayor Vera Katz.

"These funds will go toward community-based solutions to the housing and economic development challenges Portland faces," Cuomo said. "We are funding a comprehensive strategy to create jobs and affordable housing, help homeless people become self-sufficient, provide housing assistance to people with AIDS, and increase homeownership."

Under Portland's 1998 Consolidated Plan, which was approved by HUD, Portland will receive $12 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; $4 million under the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) program; $450,000 in Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) for homeless programs; and $766,000 in funding under the Housing Opportunity for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.

Among the housing and community development efforts to be funded by the City this year are: preserving and increasing the supply of affordable rental housing; expanding homeownership; promoting outreach, education and alternative activities programs; and expanding social services to prevent homelessness.

Senator Ron Wyden said: "I am very pleased to see HUD working together with Portland officials to develop a comprehensive housing strategy. Dealing with housing problems comprehensively rather than one at a time is a very welcome reform. I am particularly pleased with the emphasis on maintaining and increasing affordable housing options for Portland families."

Senator Gordon Smith said: "This is great news for the Portland area. With these funds, we will be better equipped to respond to the needs of our growing communities."

Congressman Earl Blumenauer said: "This is great news for Portland. These HUD dollars continue to play a critical role in achieving our overall community goals. These funds, in tandem with community-based efforts, will further enable us in the continuing revitalization of our most promising neighborhoods."

Congresswoman Elizabeth Furse said: "We know that our community is greatly strengthened when affordable housing is available and when good jobs are available. The Consolidated Plan we are announcing today offers hope for the homeless and disadvantaged in Portland."

Portland Mayor Vera Katz said: "We are very excited about this sizable funding package. Thanks to HUD and Secretary Cuomo, the city will be able to deliver more assistance to people that need it the most in the places that need it most. These funds will help us revitalize under-represented neighborhoods with everything from small business loans to new street and park improvements. PDC and the Housing Authority of Portland will continue developing more assistance for first-time homebuyers, rehabilitation of housing, and new resources for affordable housing. I am also very pleased that funds for the local Workforce Development Board, which I helped reorganize, will help us ensure that we give people the tools they need to succeed and link low-income residents to new jobs."

The Consolidated Planning process, developed by Cuomo when he served as HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, ensures that local residents have strong input into the creation of comprehensive, community-based housing and economic development plans. The streamlined process gives communities maximum local flexibility, while reducing burdensome regulatory requirements. Local HUD staff are empowered to work closely with communities to customize Consolidated Plans and help them realize their housing and economic development goals.